Voters were asked to consider who had the most influence on entertainment and culture in 2015. Beyond its 95 percent fresh rating on RottenTomatoes.com, early awards buzz, and more than $600 million already in box office take, the huge anticipation for the new “Star Wars” has allowed Disney to drop tons of related merchandise over the entirety of 2015.

The film is on pace to break “Avatar’s” overall sales record, and maybe even cross the unthinkable $3 billion worldwide threshold when all is said and done. We’d call it a worthy winner.

“Personally, it’s been three years of feeling privileged to be part of something that’s bigger than all of us,” “Episode VII” director J.J. Abramstold the AP. “This accolade is very much appreciated and no exception to that feeling.”

“It’s funny,” he added. “I’ve spent the last few years with everyone asking me how I am dealing with the pressure. The truth is that anything that happens at this point is icing on a cake that I’m just happy came out of the oven.”